ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Varun Chakravarthy's case for a last-minute inclusion gets stronger

Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy has created the headlines once again with a stupendous bowling performance in the first T20I against England at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Chakravarthy finished with 3-23 in four overs and emerged as the Player of the Match.

After his brilliant performance, he received full support from the former India and Tamil Nadu cricketer Dinesh Karthik, who feels that he should he could have been included in India's squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy.

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Varun Chakravarthy receives support from Dinesh Karthik for the Champions Trophy 2025

Around two months ago, Dinesh Karthik warned the national selectors of a big error if they didn't select Varun Chakravarthy in India's squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. At that time, Chakravarthy was playing in India's T20I series in South Africa.

The mystery spinner was exceptional in that series as well despite bowling in unfriendly conditions for spin. After his excellent returns in the first T20I against England, Karthik again raised the question about his inclusion in India's squad for the marquee ICC tournament.

"Could they’ve fitted him in ????" Karthik posted on X (formerly Twitter) during the first T20I between India and England in Kolkata.

Could they’ve fitted him in ????

🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔 https://t.co/gCDGK8AW3n

— DK (@DineshKarthik) January 22, 2025

Varun Chakravarthy's T20I numbers

Varun Chakravarthy hasn't played any ODI so far but has excellent numbers in T20I cricket. He has played 14 T20Is and picked up 22 wickets at an average of 16.63 and an economy rate of 6.71.

He made his T20I debut way back in 2021 and was India's first-choice spinner in the T20 World Cup 2021. However, he was suddenly dropped from the squad after his disappointing returns in the tournament and India's early exit.

Chakravarthy was called back into India's squad in the tenure of Gautam Gambhir. Since then, he has been brilliant with his skills and variations and has established himself as India's mainstay in the T20I side.

Varun Chakravarthy's excellent List A numbers

Varun Chakravarthy has yet to play an ODI but boasts an outstanding record in List A cricket. He has played 23 List A matches and picked up 59 wickets at an excellent average of 14.13 and an economy rate of 4.28 with the best of 5-9 which came in the recently concluded Vijay Hazare Trophy.

In the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25, Chakravarthy picked up 18 wickets in 6 matches at an average of 12.16 and an economy rate of 4.36 while playing for Tamil Nadu. He finished as the second-highest wicket-taker of the season behind Arshdeep Singh.

Meanwhile, India won the first T20I against England on the back of excellent performances from Varun Chakravarthy and Abhishek Sharma.

While Chakravarthy dismantled England's middle order with his skillful bowling, Abhishek killed the chase with some belligerent batting at the top. The left-handed opener struck 79 off just 34 balls and smashed 5 fours and 8 sixes on his way.